Related
So I didn't want to bog down posting something that has been answered multiple times over and over again but I am throughly confused on rooting, loading a custom ROM and kernel. So if you can give a straight forward answer to a straight forward question please do.
How do I:
Permanently root my Epic?
After reading I think I would like to install the Epic Experience ROM?
If I install the Epic Experience ROM do I also install the Phoenix kernel (Phoenix kernel is the one I like)?
What is the correct process for installing those kernels and ROMS?
Detailed responses are greatly appreciated!
I am almost thinking that I should wait for the FROYO update to roll out but my usage destroys my battery life and I cannot have my phone dying on me half way throughout the day. It seems the choices I have made (Epic Experience ROM and Phoenix kernel) will greatly improve my battery life. If I do chose to mod my phone does this affect my OTA to FROYO in the future?
Thanks in advance to all your help!
BPF317 said:
So I didn't want to bog down posting something that has been answered multiple times over and over again but I am throughly confused on rooting, loading a custom ROM and kernel. So if you can give a straight forward answer to a straight forward question please do.
How do I:
Permanently root my Epic?
After reading I think I would like to install the Epic Experience ROM?
If I install the Epic Experience ROM do I also install the Phoenix kernel (Phoenix kernel is the one I like)?
What is the correct process for installing those kernels and ROMS?
Detailed responses are greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Refer to the guide at the bottom of my signature.
For your question about flashing kernels and ROMs, you'll flash them at the same time from Clockwork recovery.
Can't type all of your answers...it would take me a while so INSTEAD.....go to the stickies....read and follow the first sticky....then go to the third sticky and download what you need....also if not mentioned in those stickies after the first and before going to the third sticky down ......clockwork recovery.....prob in the third sticky tho.....enjoy and welcome
Edit: looks like i still got beat to the punch anyway
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
DevinXtreme said:
Refer to the guide at the bottom of my signature.
For your question about flashing kernels and ROMs, you'll flash them at the same time from Clockwork recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read your guide but it must have gotten lost in the ever growing research pool. Thanks for your help.
I will attempt by first root/flash tonight and post my results/questions. Wish me luck!
BPF317 said:
I have read your guide but it must have gotten lost in the ever growing research pool. Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Feel free to PM me or add me on Gtalk, too. I'm always willing to help.
I've been lurking for a while, I will have my Epic Monday so I'm just preparing to root in the evening. I've rooted my Hero so I'm not a complete noob but do have a question.
I have downloaded the following:
-Clockwork Recovery
-Epic Experience ROM
-Sammy Drivers
Is this right, run the one click clockwork batch file which will root me and put clockwork recovery on the sd card so I can boot into recovery, nandroid then flash a rom?
Im not understanding the need to joeykrim root if noobl's clockwork gives perma root.
The EE rom doesnt include a kernel, so you will want to decide on which you would like to download.
As far as I understand, if you only install clockwork recovery (without the one click root), you will have the ability to flash a rom and kernel, but you wont necessarly have root unless you flash a rooted kernel, then you definately will have root.
Got it. Thanks! I actually have phoenix kernel ready to flash once EE is nandroided so i should be all good for root! Thanks for your help!
The first step is probably the most difficult and that is getting you phone recognized by your computer. You have to get the drivers recognized and make sure you have a cable that actually works and a usb port that magically works. The best way to test the cable is first get you phone working in mass storage mode. Then after you can get you phone recognized in usb debug mode you have easy sailing.
I am sure this should be covered in DevinXtreme's walkthrough these are just my 2 cents from my experience.
Edit: I just checked the walkthrough and both of the driver downloads seem to not work they both come up as 227 byte files
also 2 things, which, if they are confusing then just ignore me but I never had to type anything into the cmd prompt and mine worked just fine. Also zip files you want to flash using clockwork mod can be placed anywhere not just on root of sd card. I keep my stuff pretty organized.
There's a video walkthrough on youtube
The video root guide is quite helpful. If you have issues getting your PC to "see" your phone try USB ports on the back of your tower until Windows recognizes it. Front case ports seem to be a no-no for phone recognition. Even getting the same rear port to recognize the phone can be tricky... just play the USB shuffle until one works. It will eventually after installing the Samsung drivers. I've read the stock USB cable is crap, always worked for me though.
Epic 4g/Rooted/Epic Experience 1.2.04/Phoenix 1.49/Emotionless Beast Theme
BPF317 said:
So I didn't want to bog down posting something that has been answered multiple times over and over again but I am throughly confused on rooting, loading a custom ROM and kernel. So if you can give a straight forward answer to a straight forward question please do.
How do I:
Permanently root my Epic?
After reading I think I would like to install the Epic Experience ROM?
If I install the Epic Experience ROM do I also install the Phoenix kernel (Phoenix kernel is the one I like)?
What is the correct process for installing those kernels and ROMS?
Detailed responses are greatly appreciated!
I am almost thinking that I should wait for the FROYO update to roll out but my usage destroys my battery life and I cannot have my phone dying on me half way throughout the day. It seems the choices I have made (Epic Experience ROM and Phoenix kernel) will greatly improve my battery life. If I do chose to mod my phone does this affect my OTA to FROYO in the future?
Thanks in advance to all your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend the guide from the following link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=798067
Easy to follow, and as long as you know what youre doing you should be good. So easy, a 12 year old can do it.
IF you use your phone as much as I do, nothing besides a back up battery will help you ensure you can use your phone an entire day. Plenty of people claim great battery life. However, what ive noticed is that battery life fully depends and varies due to certain factors that you cannot 100% emulate unless you have their exact set up, with their exact apps and exact settings for every app and every function, and sometimes their exact location or service with the network, 4G or WiFi.
Personally, I prefer Epic Experience with Mixup Kernel. I like the look of AOSP Magic ROM, but Epic Experience seems to have better speed and the Dev responds and updates frequently.
So being new to the android system and having some experience in the past with WinMo and ROMS and flashing the 1st thing I did with my USSC Mesmerize was to of course root it. No reason.
Used z4root and worked perfect (I guess.LOL) Now have Root Explorer and Superuser.
1st question... Is there a way to unring the bell and Unroot or Reroot. *still learning some new terminology*.
2nd Question.. If I flash with a ROM (once I find one that sounds good) will it be possible to do a hard reset back to factory settings through the Power Button/volume button method. (used that one once as I installed and played with different apps to find what I wanted and needed) It shows a menu when rebooting giving a few options on reset.
Last. If anyone can point me to the Roid Hacking for Dummys section I would be forever grateful. Plans are to learn the ROM processes and work into some app development. (some coding experience and chronic insomniac).
BTW Nice to meet ya all ..
and I thought my Crackberry was addictive
Sighcosis said:
1st question... Is there a way to unring the bell and Unroot or Reroot. *still learning some new terminology*.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using z4root as well. It gives an unroot option at the main screen. I would assume this would unroot the phone, but I am new as well. My phone unroots everytime I put a new ROM on it, which is strange...
Sighcosis said:
2nd Question.. If I flash with a ROM (once I find one that sounds good) will it be possible to do a hard reset back to factory settings through the Power Button/volume button method. (used that one once as I installed and played with different apps to find what I wanted and needed) It shows a menu when rebooting giving a few options on reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Restore Files
Sighcosis said:
Last. If anyone can point me to the Roid Hacking for Dummys section I would be forever grateful. Plans are to learn the ROM processes and work into some app development. (some coding experience and chronic insomniac).
BTW Nice to meet ya all ..
and I thought my Crackberry was addictive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm learning but reading and rereading everything. I don't want to offer his help for him, but I know that phidelt82 has been a massive help to me. I cannot thank him enough.
I came from a crackberry as well and this is way more addictive, haha.
Sighcosis said:
So being new to the android system and having some experience in the past with WinMo and ROMS and flashing the 1st thing I did with my USSC Mesmerize was to of course root it. No reason.
Used z4root and worked perfect (I guess.LOL) Now have Root Explorer and Superuser.
1st question... Is there a way to unring the bell and Unroot or Reroot. *still learning some new terminology*.
2nd Question.. If I flash with a ROM (once I find one that sounds good) will it be possible to do a hard reset back to factory settings through the Power Button/volume button method. (used that one once as I installed and played with different apps to find what I wanted and needed) It shows a menu when rebooting giving a few options on reset.
Last. If anyone can point me to the Roid Hacking for Dummys section I would be forever grateful. Plans are to learn the ROM processes and work into some app development. (some coding experience and chronic insomniac).
BTW Nice to meet ya all ..
and I thought my Crackberry was addictive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To unroot, I would use Super One Click. It is posted in these forums, just do a search and you should easily find it. Once you have it on a Windows PC or virtualbox, you just have to plug your phone in and click UnRoot.
Once you flash a new ROM, if you do a factory reset, all you will be doing is resetting what is stock for that particular ROM. If you want to go back to stock, you will have to flash the stock files using Odin, or flash a stock ROM and unroot it.
Lastly, if you are considering getting in to developing, it is a lot of fun. Be prepared to learn Linux if you don't already know it. Unfortunately, from what I've found in the learning process, there isn't much in the way of a complete document or guide to tell you how to do it. You just fumble around and learn by trial and error piecing what you read together from other phones and talking to people who are already developing. I have only been involved for a month or so, but I'm willing to help you out with whatever I can. We definitely need more people in the mix.
skitzo_inc said:
I'm using z4root as well. It gives an unroot option at the main screen. I would assume this would unroot the phone, but I am new as well. My phone unroots everytime I put a new ROM on it, which is strange...
Restore Files
I'm learning but reading and rereading everything. I don't want to offer his help for him, but I know that phidelt82 has been a massive help to me. I cannot thank him enough.
I came from a crackberry as well and this is way more addictive, haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must have been writing at the same time your were. lol... I'm definitely here to help.
1st and formost.. Thank you for your input. Much appreciated.
I am about to try my 1st flash with the Super Clean mod on these forums.
I do have one other question.
is the MEZ basically same as Fascinate? Can we use same ROMS ?
Sighcosis said:
1st and formost.. Thank you for your input. Much appreciated.
I am about to try my 1st flash with the Super Clean mod on these forums.
I do have one other question.
is the MEZ basically same as Fascinate? Can we use same ROMS ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO NOT FLASH FASCINATE ROMS... it will make you're phone barf... lol
really though. don't flash anything that isn't for the Mesmerize. I can be dangerous.
but yes they are exactly the same... only different. when you look in our firmware there is still a bunch of leftover vzw crap in there.
Thanks .. LOL seen Fac listed in Clockwork in Downloadable ROMS area. Good thing I wasn't in a adventurous mood tonight .. LOL
I am thinking about flashing the superclean rom, but I'm still a little hesitent until I read into it more. I'm new to phone freedom, my crackberry was not nearly as fun as this phone is. I can't wait to see what we can come up with in the future.
imyp said:
I am thinking about flashing the superclean rom, but I'm still a little hesitent until I read into it more. I'm new to phone freedom, my crackberry was not nearly as fun as this phone is. I can't wait to see what we can come up with in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still using the pick and pack rom. I like being able to choose what programs I want to keep, rather than having all or none. I flashed with the voodoo and it's significantly faster.
I'm also a former blackberry user and I agree, these phones are freedom.
If you need any help, feel free to ask. I'm new to this and still getting a lot of help from phidelt82, but I'll do my best. I save all my chat files and am making a list of what exactly to do in order to get backups going, flash roms, install kernals, etc.
I've never been able to actually get superoneclick to connect to my phone. it just sits there saying waiting for phone and kinda locks up.
swampthing1117 said:
I've never been able to actually get superoneclick to connect to my phone. it just sits there saying waiting for phone and kinda locks up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try a different version. 1.5.5 works for me but 1.5.1 doesn't.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Sighcosis said:
1st question... Is there a way to unring the bell and Unroot or Reroot. *still learning some new terminology*.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use SimpleOneClick to root and Uroot and it works like a charm
I have rooted my phone 4-6 times and even put it back to factory using the odin files
Thanks to the people on this great forum
Sighcosis said:
Thanks .. LOL seen Fac listed in Clockwork in Downloadable ROMS area. Good thing I wasn't in a adventurous mood tonight .. LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually that's how you get the mes CWM to work. You have to install the clockworkmod using the thread in the apps and dev section, then flash the fascinate recovery to finish it up. It's essential for flashing roms and such.
So I waited for the GB update and I like it but I think it is time to root this phone. I want to stress that I have had this phone since a little bit after it came out about two weeks after and it has run like a champ from day 1. No problems at all so when I updated to gb it was actually a downgrade in some ways like the camera but I definitly like gb because of the text editing but I havent noticed any improvement in battery life or speed or signal or GPS but All thouse things were great before and they are great now.
So I am running GB 2.3.3 withthe july 15 baseband and kernel 2.6.32.9 and I know it is different to root but I dont fully uinderstand it so if someone can post a detailed guide with as much explanation as possible so I understand what I am doing I would greatly appriciate it. I assume you cant get NV flasher from the market (I Havent looked) and what is cwm or cmw and if I flash a new rom will I loose the new baseband? Or can I get root permissions and keep stock GB? Tahnk you for all your help
First read the sticky at the top of the Android Development page. That sticky basically explains everything you will need to know, step by step.
In summary though....
Step 1 - NVFlash (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1056847)
Step 2 - Download Xboarders Rooted OTA.zip (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1179748)
Step 3 - Boot into Clockwork Recovery
Step 4 - Install Zip from SD Card - the Zip you downloaded above
Voila you have rooted GB 2.3.3 with new baseband.
An alternative that I would suggest would be Eaglesblood 1.06 GB 2.3.3 though, smoothest ROM on the boards IMO and based on GB 2.3.3
jabhome said:
An alternative that I would suggest would be Eaglesblood 1.06 GB 2.3.3 though, smoothest ROM on the boards IMO and based on GB 2.3.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried both Roms and I would have to sway that Xboarder's Tweaked Rom is the best GB update 2.3.3 Rom.
pdxmatts said:
I've tried both Roms and I would have to sway that Xboarder's Tweaked Rom is the best GB update 2.3.3 Rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did not try Xboarders tweaked, maybe I will give it a try.
Does swype work on that rom as phone just took a dump with swype beta. First reboot in over two months just now.
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk
Follow the advice above. I flashed a rom for the first time today.
Does the Netflix app work on xboarder's rom? I'm having issues with HDMI on CM7 going out about every 5 minutes but coming right back. I really need the netflix app for travel.
+1 on xboarders. Runs smooth and has all of the stock features
Sent from my LG-P999
thanks guys that was what I thought. So it really is that easy? What actually gives it the root? is it the xboarders rom? I am going to ask alot of questions because I want to understand how it actually works so please bear with me. It sounds like it actually got easir to root with this update no? It seems like NVflash is a app or program that lets me put the rom on my sim card should I go internal or external? I have a whole bunch of external cards with diffewrent capacitys and the one i use now is 16 gig. Then clockwork recovery is a program that is already on the dvice I dont know if it is part of android or what but it is alrady there right? It lets me choose wether I want to recover or make a backup of roms or install new ones correct? Then when I put the tweeked rom on it has something in it hat roots the phone magically.
Please let me know what I am right about and what I am not right about and give me the correct answers because I really want to know I am a nosey motherfer
Charlie
So According to the thread in this forum titles "how to get the new baseband" the rooted version of the new rom does not contain the new baseband. Or is that the leaked gingerbread that came out a few months ago way before the update came out? He is not talking about xboarders rom right? If I do what was suggested here I will in fact have the new baseband and 2.3.3 rooted right?
Charlie
correct
mojorisin7178 said:
So According to the thread in this forum titles "how to get the new baseband" the rooted version of the new rom does not contain the new baseband. Or is that the leaked gingerbread that came out a few months ago way before the update came out? He is not talking about xboarders rom right? If I do what was suggested here I will in fact have the new baseband and 2.3.3 rooted right?
Charlie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the new baseband now no roms will change that.
The roms do not include the baseband .
mojorisin7178 said:
thanks guys that was what I thought. So it really is that easy? What actually gives it the root? is it the xboarders rom? I am going to ask alot of questions because I want to understand how it actually works so please bear with me. It sounds like it actually got easir to root with this update no? It seems like NVflash is a app or program that lets me put the rom on my sim card should I go internal or external? I have a whole bunch of external cards with diffewrent capacitys and the one i use now is 16 gig. Then clockwork recovery is a program that is already on the dvice I dont know if it is part of android or what but it is alrady there right? It lets me choose wether I want to recover or make a backup of roms or install new ones correct? Then when I put the tweeked rom on it has something in it hat roots the phone magically.
Please let me know what I am right about and what I am not right about and give me the correct answers because I really want to know I am a nosey motherfer
Charlie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flash from my external SD Card. You just need to decide where you want to install from, and then make sure you set up NVFlash with the correct support, external or internal.
Not sure of the exact terminology, but I think the procedure itself would be called to NVFlash ClockworkMod. NVFlash is the procedure to install CWM, while CWM is the program that you will run via Volume Down + Power when you boot up. CWM 4.0.0.2 will boot up and from there you will be able to flash roms, backup and restore Nandroids.
Ah that makes sense Now I see CWM stands for Clock work mod. See I was thinking CWM is a rom I actually thought it stood for cyogen mod I just couldnt figure out the W. So when I flash CWM it contains the root permissions already is that how it works?
So I should use nvflash to install cwm then I should probally make a backup of my stock rom. Also If I just install or flash CWM and not flash a new rom then Will my phone be rooted stock? or do I have to flash the xborders rom to gain root?
Thanks alot guys
Charlie
mojorisin7178 said:
Ah that makes sense Now I see CWM stands for Clock work mod. See I was thinking CWM is a rom I actually thought it stood for cyogen mod I just couldnt figure out the W. So when I flash CWM it contains the root permissions already is that how it works?
So I should use nvflash to install cwm then I should probally make a backup of my stock rom. Also If I just install or flash CWM and not flash a new rom then Will my phone be rooted stock? or do I have to flash the xborders rom to gain root?
Thanks alot guys
Charlie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM doesn't "contain" root permissions, it just allows you to flash any ROM into the phone, rooted or otherwise. The Xboarder ROM is pre-rooted, along with most of the others.
THANK YOU!
I too am a noob and was a little confused. I'd search the forums and come up with too much info. Plus, some terms used on this forum are slightly overloaded (in the C++ context) from the classic meanings, like "ROM" and "baseband". Those terms as used here do not mean exactly what they meant 20 years ago.
I'm sure I need to read more on app dev (but I have too many hobbies already), but I'm confused about the layers of s/w. As a noob, I would think the layers would be BIOS or maybe BSP, Linux, Android. So I don't understand:
1) where does the clockwork mod fit within the layers?
1a) nvdia nvflash installs new drivers in the Linux layer?
2) what is contained in the ROM image? A new version of Linux, andriod, nvdia drivers, baseband?
3) Is there a BIOS/BSP, or is all register access done in Linux drivers?
I'm not looking for a developers level answer to these questions, more of the readers digest version of the answers.
Since I'm having black screen of death (I believe referred to here as "SOD"), on two phones, I'd like to understand more, to figure out if this problem is h/w or s/w. I am definitely leaning towards s/w problems and my wife and I would love to keep these phones.
Thanks again.
-Bob
mojorisin7178 said:
Ah that makes sense Now I see CWM stands for Clock work mod. See I was thinking CWM is a rom I actually thought it stood for cyogen mod I just couldnt figure out the W. So when I flash CWM it contains the root permissions already is that how it works?
So I should use nvflash to install cwm then I should probally make a backup of my stock rom. Also If I just install or flash CWM and not flash a new rom then Will my phone be rooted stock? or do I have to flash the xborders rom to gain root?
Thanks alot guys
Charlie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Continuing off of what Spyvie said, you do need to flash xboarder's rom to gain root, (more like repeating what he said). As for nvflash, this should make things a bit easier. tgagunman made a nice one click feature that if you follow the directions, should be easier to follow. You will get clockwork mod recovery, it will be nvflashed, but it's a lot easier for a non-techie to use.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1056847
I want to thank everyone who chimed in you guys have been really good to me Bob has some really good questions also and I hope this thread can help you out bob. That is why I started this thread for people like me who are really good with computers and like to mess around but don't quite understand phones. Every time something goes wrong with my PC I go to the forums and I fix it myself then I feel good. (And I have had some real disasters on my PC I have come back from)
Anyway I will be doing this procedure soon as I feel confident that I can do it and I see there is a fix for unbricking phones. One last question before I hit the green light: Can it be unrooted just in case I have to send it back for warantey issues and can CWM be uninstalled? I suspect that since the ROM is pre-rooted that all I would have to do is format and install my original ROM then uninstall CWM is that on point or no? And Again THANKS TO ALL WHO CHIME IN WITH THE ANSWERS AND I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE OTHERS TO CHIME IN WITH THERE QUESTIONS.
Charlie
Okay so I checked out the links. So I gather that step 1 has to be skipped now because super1click does not work. So we can just NVflash CWM which looks easy enough. Now I have winzip on my computer will that work for extracting .rar files? I am pretty sure it will but I want to make sure. And I am going to shut off user control permissions and I use MS security essentials for my Anti virus so I am thinking of shutting that off for this procedure would that be a wise thing and is there anything else that I should do. I am not a computer expert but I am not a idiot either I am just inexperienced. Thank you guys
Charlie
mojorisin7178 said:
Can it be unrooted just in case I have to send it back for warantey issues and can CWM be uninstalled?
Charlie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can restore you Nandroid of the preroot OTA, or you can unroot with the unroot zip that Xboarder provided in his link.
mojorisin7178 said:
Okay so I checked out the links. So I gather that step 1 has to be skipped now because super1click does not work. So we can just NVflash CWM which looks easy enough. Now I have winzip on my computer will that work for extracting .rar files? I am pretty sure it will but I want to make sure. And I am going to shut off user control permissions and I use MS security essentials for my Anti virus so I am thinking of shutting that off for this procedure would that be a wise thing and is there anything else that I should do. I am not a computer expert but I am not a idiot either I am just inexperienced. Thank you guys
Charlie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, there is nothing else you need to do to your computer. The link provided by the brother above (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1056847) is where you need to be. Skip the one click root and go straight to NV flash. It will guide you through installing the nvidia drivers you need. TGA_Gunnman has is laid out really nice and easy to follow and the program he put together (one click clm recovery nv flasher) is really simple to understand and use. he also has another post out there (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1060715) that is also helpfull. Once you get nv flash done make sure you copy the rom you want on your sd card. IMO Xboarders is very nice and smooth. You will hold down volume down and power together until you see the android screen. Then in the menu use vol keys to move to backup and restore and use power to select. Then move to yes and run the backup. then you can wipe data/factory restore. Then wipe cache. Then go to advanced and wipe dalvic and batt stats. Then go back to "choose zip from sd" and find your rom zip and select it. It will run for a while and tell you when its done, Then go to advanced again and fix permission. After that just go to reboot option and let it reboot. It may take a little longer the first time, just let it go. When it reboots you will have a rooted 2.3.3 with the new baseband you just updated to. After that go to the market and get Titanium Backup and run a backup of all your apps and data. From there your pretty much good to start flashing away. Have fun, Good luck
Yes, this guide is outdated a bit. I lost my job and in between school, 3 kids, and writing resumes, I do not have the time to do the proper research and update this. I apologize for my desertion, however, if anyone would like to take it over, feel free to copy/paste the contents of this post and repost, update, and request a sticky from the mods.
Disclaimer
If you have an LG P999 (Not the P990!) you should not brick while using this guide. If you do happen to brick your device, I will not accept responsibility for it. Nor will I support you. There is more than enough information in our section to fully troubleshoot almost any known problem. If I link to a thread, please read AT LEAST the original post (OP) in its entirety before taking the steps it contains. If a method I linked does not work, please let me know. I don’t have the time to read every post on every thread on every section.
This guide is for Windows users only. If you are on a Mac or Linux box, there may be ways of doing this, but I don’t have any way of testing it. You’re on your own.
Purpose
So you just got the LG P999 (T-Mobile G2x or Wind O2x) or you’ve had it for a while and finally decided to root it. This is an updated step-by-step guide on what you need to do in order to unleash your device.
Credit
Thank you to all of the developers and scripters out there. I didn’t do any of the work and I claim no rights to anything linked in this guide.
Thanks to:
KiNG OMaR
jboxer
Volk
kairi_zeroblade
Mr Rusty
phburks
All the other people who contributed to all of these methods.
Anyone who spends their free time coding, modding, troubleshooting, helping, and a special thanks to anyone who does his or her research.
General Information
This guide assumes you’ve had your phone long enough to have gotten T-Mobile’s 2.3.3 Gingerbread update by now. If you’re on 2.2.2 Froyo, search on how to update to 2.3.3 Gingerbread as it will upgrade (maybe?) your radio as well.
If you are an advanced user and coming from a different phone and are used to different practices, let me break it down for you. The bootloader and radio are already unlocked (or S-OFF, if you will). There are only 2 radios which may actually be exactly the same, but they are not flashable zips. All ROMs are compatible with either radio.
All links are tested and up-to-date as of 11 April 2012.
Step 1: CWM
Install ClockworkMod Recovery (CWM) via NVFlash. This should always be your first step no matter what you intend to do with your device. Installing CWM will allow you to flash roms, kernels, etc., as well as recover from minor bricks or bad flashes. DO NOT install CWM via Rom Manager. The following thread will help you install NVidia's APX drivers and flash CWM via NVFlash:
[RECOVERY]CWM-Based Recovery 5.0.2.8 For P999(Internal & External SD)
After completing this step, you will be able to access CWM at any time from a power off state by holding the Power and Volume Down buttons until the white “LG” logo goes away and the blue “LG” logo appears. Release the buttons when you see the blue "LG" logo and wait for the CWM menu to pop up. I recommend at this point that you test it out to make sure it works and that you perform a backup with CWM. Once backed up, copy it to your computer, burn it to a CD, archive it on your tape drive, whatever. It’s just good practice to keep these things in case someone’s link goes down and you really needed that file to return to stock.
Step 2: Decision
Here, you will make a decision:
Are there any apps that you need to save your progress in (for example, Angry Birds scores, etc.) and can’t simply be reinstalled?
If no, skip to Step 4: Flash
If yes, proceed with Step 3: Root
Step 3: Root & Backup
I know, I know. There are apps that can backup your angry birds scores and all that, but this makes reinstalling all of your apps easier. First, you need to download an app to backup your apps. Titanium Backup is my favorite. The price tag seems a little high at first glance, but it’s worth it, especially if you plan on doing this to other phones in the future. Download Titanium Backup from the market, and purchase the PRO key. If you want to go the cheap route, there are alternatives. Next, we need root access. Achieve this by following this post:
[ROOT] G2X Gingerbread 2.3.3. stock ROM with flashable zip in Clockworkmod Recovery
You have a rooted phone and Titanium Backup now. Open Titanium Backup and allow it root access. Press menu, then “batch” and backup user apps only. Never backup system data. You will only get yelled at when people find out that you backup system data.
Step 4: Wipe & Flash
Select a ROM. There are many to choose from (stock Gingerbread, AOSP-based Gingerbread, AOSP-based Ice Cream Sandwich, MIUI). If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, flash one from each category and play with it for 30 minutes to make a final decision. Please read the OP for the ROM you are flashing and follow their directions. If it is not based on the stock ROM, you will need to flash a zip that contains Google’s Apps (gapps). Read your ROM’s OP for the details on this.
When you flash a new ROM, at a minimum, perform the “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” in CWM just prior to flashing the ROM. This will clear old data and cache. I recommend using:
[TOOL] G2x Nullifier [UPDATED!] 26 March Cache only Nullifier!
The dual wipe nullifier is in my opinion, not needed. Single wipe will be fine. Keep in mind, once you nullify, you need to flash a ROM immediately after you nullify! If you reboot after nullifying, you have a soft-brick that should be recoverable, but that’s extra grief you don’t need. So, again, make sure you have a ROM ready to flash on your SD card BEFORE you use the Nullifier.
Step 5: Restore & Enjoy
If you backed up your apps in Step 3: Root & Backup, open up the Market and redownload Titanium Backup and the PRO key (or whatever cheap alternative you decide on) and start it up, granting root access. Press menu, “batch” and restore missing apps with data.
All done! If you want to underclock or overclock or flash kernels, you need to read up on it. They will not be included in this guide.
I am open to *constructive* feedback. If your feedback is “this guide sucks,” move on. I don’t need you here. If you have a legitimate problem with the contents and maybe a suggestion on how to fix it, by all means, let me know. I know there are a couple guides out there, but some are outdated. Just putting a fresh one up for those just joining the game.
I don’t ask for donations. Save them for the people who do the real work. If I helped you out, just hit the thanks button.
Very simple and easy guide, nicley done
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Awesome Guide. I was thinking of doing something like that for noobs like me. You can include OC/UV guide from Klatmon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1558080
Its a great guide. Plus you will have a complete G2x guide for dummies after this as Step 6 (optional) .
Great guide, only issue is in step 3 you say to gain root. The way we gain root is to flash a rom that already has it. I would recommend backing up data before that point us possible (i don't remember if backup apps can be run without root)
And, you might want to link to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24087341 thread for the cwm flashing, it's one file to download and one thing to run, helluva lot simpler for a first timer
Also, pm a mod and ask if you can get this stickied. We need something like this up top
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2
cricketAC said:
Awesome Guide. I was thinking of doing something like that for noobs like me. You can include OC/UV guide from Klatmon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1558080
Its a great guide. Plus you will have a complete G2x guide for dummies after this as Step 6 (optional) .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, my original thought was that the oc/uv guide was a little advanced for the level of the guide. I think I will add it though, thanks for the tip!
Klathmon said:
Great guide, only issue is in step 3 you say to gain root. The way we gain root is to flash a rom that already has it. I would recommend backing up data before that point us possible (i don't remember if backup apps can be run without root)
And, you might want to link to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24087341 thread for the cwm flashing, it's one file to download and one thing to run, helluva lot simpler for a first timer
Also, pm a mod and ask if you can get this stickied. We need something like this up top
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The root method I linked to is merely a flashable zip with superuser. It keeps the current rom but adds root access so that people can back up their stuff prior to flashing.
I will add the easy flash for cwm for sure though. Thanks for the feedback!
r4d14n7 said:
Yeah, my original thought was that the oc/uv guide was a little advanced for the level of the guide. I think I will add it though, thanks for the tip!
The root method I linked to is merely a flashable zip with superuser. It keeps the current rom but adds root access so that people can back up their stuff prior to flashing.
I will add the easy flash for cwm for sure though. Thanks for the feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol my bad i didnt even read the link
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2
Don't we also have the option to create an update.zip from TBuPRO to reinstall all previous apps from within recovery??? I have read about it but never done it. And thanks for this great tut.
harrytorta said:
Don't we also have the option to create an update.zip from TBuPRO to reinstall all previous apps from within recovery??? I have read about it but never done it. And thanks for this great tut.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would highly advise against this...
doing that across roms of the same version is risky, doing it across roms of different versions is down-right mad. it just plops them back into the rom pre-installed with data and everything, bad bad bad idea.
I tried searching about it on google but found nothing so thanks for the reply. Kinda sucks that it would muck with things though :\
I've never done it either. It's tempting to "flash" your old apps back over, especially with the amount of time it takes for Titanium Backup to run, but as Klathmon stated, it's probably a bad idea. Patience is a virtue, I suppose.
Very easy guide for noobs like me, I have a problem my phone shows p999 in about phone and its have a logo of videotron. but the sticker at the back cover shows p990 :S should i go with p999 method ??
Hasooboy said:
Very easy guide for noobs like me, I have a problem my phone shows p999 in about phone and its have a logo of videotron. but the sticker at the back cover shows p990 :S should i go with p999 method ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an interesting situation. I would install the LGMobile Support Tool and see what model it says you have. If I had to *guess* it's a P999 but you should definitely contact one of the other Videotron users and ask them. That is beyond my scope of knowledge, so proceed with caution!
r4d14n7 said:
That's an interesting situation. I would install the LGMobile Support Tool and see what model it says you have. If I had to *guess* it's a P999 but you should definitely contact one of the other Videotron users and ask them. That is beyond my scope of knowledge, so proceed with caution!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have connect my phone with Lg software update its detect as p999dw and proceed towards the update process after Update process my phones become T mobile G2X which was videotorn earlier I am thinking of making new thread with all the information i have along with snap shoot
Hasooboy said:
I have connect my phone with Lg software update its detect as p999dw and proceed towards the update process after Update process my phones become T mobile G2X which was videotorn earlier I am thinking of making new thread with all the information i have along with snap shoot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, enjoy your new G2x. haha...
Always nice to give back to the community! Give it a shot! I haven't seen much Videotron stuff here yet, just T-Mobile and Wind.
r4d14n7 said:
Yeah, enjoy your new G2x. haha...
Always nice to give back to the community! Give it a shot! I haven't seen much Videotron stuff here yet, just T-Mobile and Wind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more thing i just want to know what happen if i install CWM of p999 which its is most probably then what happened if its p990 :S
Thanks!
Easy to follow, thanks alot!
Good guide, one additional section would be a general overview of ICS-based vs GB-based ROMs, advantages of ICS are latest Android OS, but downside is non-working binary drivers for video camera & playback & uses more memory for OS. GB is more functional & stable, but older-style.
Great Guide!!!!!:
thanks for this amazing guide. Works perfectly without any problems.
Hasooboy said:
I have connect my phone with Lg software update its detect as p999dw and proceed towards the update process after Update process my phones become T mobile G2X which was videotorn earlier I am thinking of making new thread with all the information i have along with snap shoot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol i wish i had you're problem. If my phone was doing that i'd have no issue what so ever getting the march 2012 baseband
Hello, XDA! and, even though we haven't met yet, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE STUFF ON MY PHONE!!!!!! This is my first, and dreaded post.
I'm new to smartphones. My first was an iSUCK 3g. Now, I have the SGS4G! I'm totally new to this wprld, and every day, I'm being blown away by something new. Anyways, I have read two guides on this site already, but I'm still suffering from a little confusion. I think my problem comes from when I first rooted my phone. I was in a hurry to root it, because I needed to unlock the carrier permissions, so I could use my ATT sim. I hadn't found this site yet, sadly. I had tried a few things, to no avail, until I came across a you-tube video with some kid showing me how it's done, and other littler kids screaming in the background. Following the video step, by step, got it done, but he failed to go over, and explain what we were actually doing. Now, I don't know what ROM I have, or what kernel. It's not a big issue, because this phone now totally blows me away, especially the launchers.
I really enjoy this phone over the iSucks, becuase I like computers, and I'm more tech savvy than most. Perhaps that's where more of my confusion comes from... the terminology. So, on to the issue:
My RAM seems to run unusually high! with the GOtskmanager, it's always clocking between %72 - %79. I got RAM Manager Pro, which sometimes brings me down to %65 - %69, but it usually doesn't last long. I think I have it nailed down. I think it comes from certain apps that seem to run themselves. I have auto sync off, and I've DONE MY RESEARCH (some of which, I've yet to comprehend) I know not to use a task killer to routinely kill apps, and I know how the OS works, and allocates its RAM. So, I won't even worry about it if someone says these levels are normal.
Any tips on what I should do with my new phone? I saw a video that I can't find again, where this guy had his homescreen set up in such away, that the apps made this 3d cube of tiny boxes (apps) that moved like a rubik's cube. HOW DO I DO THAT!? It's not in any of the launchers I've tried. Anyways, thank you once again, XDA, you guys are awesome. I'm just a newb. Thank you to the users who made the guides!!
Ram is at 84% right now, NOT DOING ANYTHING!
Look at my guide that i have linked in my sig and read through the second post to find a custom rom that you like (i suggest Valhalla Black) and my guide tells you how to flash it. If you have questions, feel free to ask in the guide thread or pm me
And I believe the 3d cubes are part of SPB Shell launcher
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium
Thank you Julz! I have read your guide thoroughly. I know to search, and research before asking questions. Like I said, I'm just slightly still confused. Did I not put a custom ROM on my phone when I rooted it?
Do I have to factory restore, or uninstall the current ROM in some way before getting another?
Also, I think I fixed the RAM issue. What is normal levels for my device? I can't find normal RAM levels listed anywhere on the net for my device.
Read the first link in my signature as an addition to Juls' guide. After rooting GB you need a custom kernel. Look for SGS Kernel Flasher in either guide to take your next step.
I think you should research more. But to help you a bit...
How you rooted your phone? You know about ClockWorkMod Recovery? Know about Odin or Heimdall?
Also, there is a section in Setting that tells a lot of your phone that is called About Phone.
chris31jct said:
I think you should research more. But to help you a bit...
How you rooted your phone? You know about ClockWorkMod Recovery? Know about Odin or Heimdall?
Also, there is a section in Setting that tells a lot of your phone that is called About Phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware: 2.3.6
Baseband: TE59VUVKJ6
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-sms-kj6-vo.1.0+
Build: GINGERBREAD.VUVKJ6
I used Heimdall to do this, as per the video guide I followed. I just downloaded Odin, for future tasks. I love the Norse theme to this stuff, I know the Eddas practically by heart, as well as the elder Futhark, and actual history of the ancient Scandanavian Vikings.
Be sure to keep your ODIN and Heimdall ports seperate. You can get by with CWM for custom ROM's now except to recover or clean your phone up. Read the Gremlin Remover thread to consider using after a custom ROM flash or two. Your other option is KJ6 Heimdall One-Click.
lumin30 said:
Be sure to keep your ODIN and Heimdall ports seperate. You can get by with CWM for custom ROM's now except to recover or clean your phone up. Read the Gremlin Remover thread to consider using after a custom ROM flash or two. Your other option is KJ6 Heimdall One-Click.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the tip. Advice heeded! Now, do you know anything about my ram? Why my Go Task mnger is always reading that my RAM is almost always above 70% used?
Read the guide I mentioned above. Get on a custom ROM. Then look at RAM. You are on stock bloated ROM at the moment.
lumin30 said:
Read the guide I mentioned above. Get on a custom ROM. Then look at RAM. You are on stock bloated ROM at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read the guides, the only thing I don't understand about that process, is that, will I need to set up all my apps again, am I starting my phone from scratch? Which ROM would you personally suggest?
When I'm using a custom ROM, am I restricted in any way? Can I still use the market?
Did you read the guide in the first link in my signature as suggested above?
It is best to start fresh when flashing a new ROM. A lot of apps have back up features within the app for settings and such (i.e. GoLauncher).
I recommend Valhalla Black. But all the 2.3.6 ROM's are great.
No restrictions. Except maybe watching movies in the market on rooted devices.
lumin30 said:
Did you read the guide in the first link in my signature as suggested above?
It is best to start fresh when flashing a new ROM. A lot of apps have back up features within the app for settings and such (i.e. GoLauncher).
I recommend Valhalla Black. But all the 2.3.6 ROM's are great.
No restrictions. Except maybe watching movies in the market on rooted devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't read that guide, becuase I'm not on Froyo
Read it.
One more thing. You say start from scratch... Factory Reset? So I will need to root again? Also, I had to unlock the phone to use with ATT. Will I have to do that again?
I mean with your apps. Factory reset won't unroot you. It isn't a bad idea to do a factory reset between flashings as a precautionary measure.
You shouldn't have to unlock again either.
Wodensman said:
Also, I had to unlock the phone to use with ATT. Will I have to do that again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on ATT as well and flash my phone all the time. I've never lost the unlock.
My brother, thank you so very much for the info! I have been reading the guide you mentioned, and now I know why. 2 guides in there! I can't thank you enough, I've hit thanks on all your replies here, because little by little, you're really helping my understanding of it all. It must be frustrating trying to help people like myself! Thanks for trying to push this stuff through my thick head! However, I've encountered another problem, following your guide:
Trying to back up my efs folder, using Astro File Manager... says it cannot do it! I guess this means I need something that requests superuser permissions?
Any program you would recommend? or can I just do it manually with my computer, like save it on my comp or something?
I recommend starting where it talks about SGS Kernel Flasher. Then once you have the custom kernel with CWM - do and nandroid back up and save the nandroid back up on your computer for safe keeping. That will have your efs folder within it. And I recommended Super Manager
And flash this kernel -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25115050&postcount=1
I guess the kernel I have, doesn't have CWM. So, if I flash a new one, do I need to delete the one I have first or anything? Or just go about flashing a new one, like I never did one in the first place? I can try to find the video guide I followed if you think it will help.